City Of Berkeley: Vaccination, Boosters Still Recommended For Restaurants, Gyms And Events As Requirements Removed

Press release from City of Berkeley:

March 09, 2022

Berkeley, California (Wednesday, March 09, 2022) - Berkeley's Health Officer strongly recommends that restaurants, gyms and indoor events continue to encourage vaccination of employees and patrons, but verification will no longer be required starting Friday March 11.

Some other businesses with higher risk settings - such as pharmacies, childcare facilities and long-term care - will be able to let fully vaccinated workers get tested instead of requiring boosters.

The shift from requirements to recommendations reflects the current phase of the pandemic, with hospitalizations and severe illness remaining low amidst an ongoing decline in infections.

Businesses will have the option to set stricter regulations. Some patrons, including those at higher risk due to age or medical conditions, may prefer it. Vaccinations, masks, ventilation, checking for negative tests and other pandemic tools reduce risks of outbreaks and employees getting sick at work.

"Our COVID tools create a path to navigate the pandemic," said Dr. Lisa B. Hernandez, the City of Berkeley Health Officer. "As this latest surge fades, the safe path widens but the risks haven't disappeared. Stay up to date on vaccinations by getting a booster when eligible. When needed, use a surgical mask or better to protect yourself and others."

Testing or proof of vaccination required for 1,000-person events

• the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna)
• a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen)
• final dose of another vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization.

• five months after your second Pfizer (ages 12+) or Moderna (ages 18+)
• two months after your single J&J dose

Higher-risk environments

• Adult care facilities
• Adult day programs
• Dental offices
• Pharmacies
• Home health care workers and entities employing home healthcare workers
• All public and private childcare facilities

Pandemic not over, but learning helps us adapt

Links:

• Proof of Vaccination Order (City of Berkeley Health Order)
• State Face masking guidance (California Department of Public Health)
• State Guidance for "Mega Events" (California Department of Public Health)

This press release was produced by City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.